Are all religions equally true?

India
August 6, 2010 5:07am CST
I am not asking which is good or bad/ better or worse. But I keep hearing that all religions are true. But I can't understand how a religion that denies God's existence can be as true as a religion that affirms God's existence. Whether God exists or not is a different matter, but can atheistic religion and theistic religion both be true? What do yo think?
3 people like this
20 responses
• Canada
6 Aug 10
I'd first like to clarify that atheism is not a religion, and should not be confused with it. To answer your question, no religion is true, but they are all equally false. Even when taking a religious viewpoint, according to the vast majority of religious doctrine, only their own can be right. This means they could not agree that they are all equally true. Even the many sects of Christianity can't agree on what they think is 'true.'
1 person likes this
• India
7 Aug 10
@ jupitercrashing, Jainism is a religion, but it is atheistic. Buddhism is also non-theistic. One sect of Buddhism is atheistic. I agree that Christian denominations have difference of opinion of different areas, but they are also united in certain areas. For example, all of them agree that God is there; that Jesus Christ is risen etc. Similar thing is there within Islam or Hinduism etc. Suppose Islam is true, and if some disagree whether Ali should have become the heir or not, I don't think Islam becomes untrue based on that disputed matter. If it is untrue, I would say that it is untrue based on some things which they all agree. The same applies for other religion too. That's the way I would see.
@poingly (605)
• United States
7 Aug 10
Keep in mind that the Unitarians originated as a Christian sect, and Unitarians don't agree (even amongst themselves) if there is a God or if Jesus is risen, etc. But in another way, Unitarians often aren't seen as Christian anymore.
@poingly (605)
• United States
6 Aug 10
Does disagreeing with one small bit of a religion mean that you aren't a member of that religion? For instance, if a Catholic doesn't believe in not eating meat on Friday during Lent, does that make them any less Catholic? If you agree with a religion except its exclusivity thing, do you stop being a member of that religion? Is a religion defined by the people that form it or a certain list of rules? And weren't those rules made by people? Couldn't they be changed?
• United States
7 Aug 10
Honestly, no religion is perfect, and most religions start out with good intentions, but the people who are involved in the religions take things too far. I was a Catholic, but I am now an Agnostic. I don't like religion, and I certainly don't like the people who follow them. My step-sister was super religious, and she took it too far. Many people have tried to convert me to their religions, but I have had to decline time and time again. I won't join any of them.
• United States
7 Aug 10
A lot of reasons lead to me being Agnostic. I just don't believe that religion can answer all of the universe's big questions.
• India
9 Aug 10
Thanks for the post. Can I still pursue little further? I have my doubts if religion is trying to answer all the big questions of life. I think religion has its own primary domain of inquiry though certain question may spill over to other areas. I think scientific inquiry has lot of answers to mankind's query; it's just that it has its limits too.
1 person likes this
• India
7 Aug 10
Thanks for the post. Can I just ask what made you an agnostic? I wonder if the problem is with the Christians (of which Catholics are part of) or Christ Jesus himself?
1 person likes this
11 Aug 10
Your statements make no sense to me. How can a religion deny the existence of Deity? And Atheism is Not a religion, it is the absence of theism or religion. What are you talking about?
• India
13 Aug 10
Jainism is an atheistic religion.
• India
13 Aug 10
Buddhism is also a non-theistic though later certain strand of theistic form emerged. Buddha himself did not make it a theistic religion.
@awapak (1275)
• Pakistan
6 Aug 10
In fact there is only one divine religion since beginning of mankind which was based on three basic elements: 1.Concept of one God Almighty or Monotheism. 2.Prophethood:About 124000 Prophets came to this world to teach us this true religion. 3.The Concept of the Day of Judgement. So any divine religion which has these three basic elements in addition to having a divinely- protected and unaltered Holy Book can be regarded as the truest religion.I believe it is only I S L A M and only I S L A M which meets all these requirements......and it has to enter each house,village,town,country and continent one day when Jesus (pbuh)will come once again to support this religion........
• India
7 Aug 10
You mentioned about three elements in addition to having a divinely protected book. But you did not mention about what this 'divine religion' is teaching. What if this divine religion teaches is not good for human society? What if we follow this religion then people end up fighting each other? I am asking question. I think for religion to be good and true, it is also important to see what it teaches. Don't you think so?
@awapak (1275)
• Pakistan
8 Aug 10
Thanks for responding and sharing your views.Certainly the salvation of whole the humanity lies in the teachings of Islam that's why this Holy Quran is being protected divinely and that's why Jesus(pbuh)is coming to create first IDEAL WORLD STATE on this earth basing on the same Quran.....If you will go into its teachings without any prejudice and on going wave of Islamophobia,you will surely find this truth.Blessings.
• India
9 Aug 10
Thank you for your mature response. Jesus coming to create an ideal world state can be understood, but I wonder if it is based on Quranic teaching. Because the closest disciples of Jesus said something, but Mohammad (pbuh) said something else 600 years later. Whom do we say truly conveyed what Jesus actually communicated?
• United States
11 Aug 10
no they are not neither do they a;ll follow the same God. for instance jaweh the God of Christians and Jews tell his followers to love even their enemies (hard for me to do!) whilst allah tells his followers to kill unbelievers (in him) Hence it is impossible for him to be one and the same God!
• India
14 Aug 10
I kind of agree with your observation though I am not so sure if Allah tells his followers to kill unbelievers. But Hinduism will come in between and say that all religions are right; just that one has to be follow one's own religion faithfully. I think it is not rational for all of them to be true unless we live in madness.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Aug 10
if your not sure read the quran my friend it will show you
@poingly (605)
• United States
6 Aug 10
Let's imagine a society that is as advanced as ours, but for some reason has gone undiscovered on this planet until now. We finally meet these people to share information and discover that they have made almost all the same scientific discoveries that we have. There is a snag in our talks when we start talking about geography, however. They claim that there is only one ocean--after all, all these bodies of water are connected, and there is very little separating them. Our side argues for five oceans. We debate for hours on how an ocean is defined, the shape of land-masses, and so on. We just can't seem to agree. All this debate doesn't change the shape of the world or where the water on our planet is located. It's just a different perspective on the same thing. I think religions are like that. They see God (or lack their of) through their own perspective. All are true based on what each person sees and experiences. It can be frustrating trying to explain a seemingly contradictory belief to someone that is viewing the world in a completely different manner, but it doesn't change whatever is (or isn't) really out there.
• India
6 Aug 10
I agree that we all are arguing from one's own perspective. But I hope you are not saying that this sense of perception of things from one's own perception do not extend to our study of Physics or Mathematics or History etc. That will undermine the entire foundation of our study. That does not mean there is no perspectival element; it's just that we should not reduce everything to that level. Similarly in religious discourse different perceptions could be there. But I think it'll be unfair to say that everything just depends on one's own perspective. There are things which just cannot be interpreted like that. And for the sake of trying to be kind to all, we should not say that all are right. Some things just cannot be right. If God exists, he cannot be otherwise. It's either this or that.
• India
7 Aug 10
I agree that it's particularly helpful to be looking through different perspective. But that does not mean all things can be like that. Once that is granted then everything will just be floating around with no roots. For example, one cannot just say whether oxygen has 16 electron or anything else. It just won't work. Knowledge is like that. Some are certain, and some not yet. "For those that don't, well, I haven't quite worked that all out yet...haha ". If you follow the logic I used , then that problem can be solved
@poingly (605)
• United States
6 Aug 10
It's not a bad thing to look at math, physics, or even history from a different perspective. In physics, this can be particularly helpful. Sure, Newtonian equations give us a great tool for calculating stuff on Earth, but those equations fall apart elsewhere in the universe. In fact, even on Earth they aren't QUITE perfect. For those that believe in an all-powerful God, it would certain be within his or her power to simultaneously exist and not exist. Otherwise, he or she would not truly be all-powerful. For those that don't, well, I haven't quite worked that all out yet...haha
@lizzyt2007 (1312)
• Craig, Alaska
17 Aug 10
Not all religions are true. The way to find out which one is right is ask a few questions. 1. Do they teach God's true name? he does have a name and he likes being called it. 2. Does the religion tell the truth about who Jesus Christ really is? 3. Does the religion teach who Satan the Devil is? 4. Does the religion tell you what the future for mankind is on earth? 5. Does the religion teach what you must do to survive to Armageddon? I know I can answer all those questions and I truly believe the "Bible" has all the answers to mankind's problems and what can God do to help you in your life.
• India
20 Aug 10
Thanks for sharing. But the second point may be objected by Hindus and others. What do you think? They may ask why Jesus Christ, and not someone else? Of course, you'll reply that because Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. But that derivation comes after you've studied about Jesus.
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
7 Aug 10
For me not because atheist they not worship God because they don't believe that there's God but come to think who's made us it is Jehovah God same as Adam and eve they made by Jehovah God if we don't gave thanks for that matter he will judge you into his Armageddon that's what happened to para-on the leader of e gyp.
• India
7 Aug 10
I can't quite get what you are trying to say. I think you did not use punctuation where they are needed and so the lines are little confusing. Can you clarify what you are trying to say?
@madteaparty (2748)
• Japan
7 Aug 10
There is no such a thing as an atheistic religion.
• India
7 Aug 10
What about Jainism?
• India
6 Aug 10
If Anybody ask me this qusrions my answer will be yes... Every religion have their own god to pray.... Every religion have their own book... Every religion have their own set of rules to be followed.... All religons are equally true??
• India
7 Aug 10
Every religion has their own god to pray to, and each one has their book and rules to follow. But the question that emerge is that does the god people pray to really there? Are the books really from God? If god is not there and the book is just written by man it would be a waste of time. So I think it's good that we know what we up to. Don't you think so?
@tweetbird (161)
• United States
7 Aug 10
From now on, everything is going to be in commotion until the prophesied Second Coming. If you look at the new testament, many things happening in the world today fall within prophecies, including discrediting the existence of God or Christ. If a person is an atheist, like other choices, it's not right or wrong, it's a choice and it should be respected.
• India
7 Aug 10
What are you trying to say actually? I think your post is not related to my question. Or am I missing something? But I agree that the choice of an atheist should be respected. There should not be forceful conversion.
@06MLam (620)
6 Aug 10
There are a number of religions on Earth and there are different claims for them. Though not all of them say that God exist, there are similar ideas but just in different forms instead of the image of God. Also, most of these religions teach people to behave well and to obey to certain morals. They help people to do good rather than bad. Therefore, it does not matter whether it is theistic or not. However, I believe there is certainly a power that control the universe but we just do not have a lot of information about it now. I believe in such a power because I think that things happens on the Earth, like the creation of the ocean essential for millions of creatures to stay alive, are so amazing that they cannot be done by a human with such a little power like you and I.
• India
7 Aug 10
I think it matters whether it is theistic or not. If God is there, it's extremely important. For example, the creator and the most powerful being in the universe is there, and people just don't bother about him. That would be sad. But suppose he is not there, and people just invent him. Then that's a big hoax. And people are being deceived. That's unfortunate. I don't want people to believe in a lie. Don't you think so?
@alvian (3)
7 Aug 10
Not' religion with other using the word of God to earn money
• India
24 Oct 10
What do you mean? I can't understand what you are trying to say. If you could take more to explain then the interaction would be more meaningful. But I wonder if you'd return... your post indicates to be just only three so far.
@sjhaeki (795)
• Philippines
16 Sep 10
I think whatever the religion is and what it believes in are the same but have different names and terms for it. One religion may deny God and the people's practices but also has its own Supreme power they worship which can be described as someone similar to God. Well, whether or not they affirm one religion or not, what they are all trying to let us see is to be good and don't go astray and things like that.
• India
1 Oct 10
God is one; I agree. But the attribute of Krishna and Allah are quite different. So Krishna and Allah cannot be one and same. That's the way I see things. Similarly, a religion that affirms God's existence cannot be the same as one that denies it.
@LIENROSE (910)
• Philippines
6 Aug 10
I think they all have the same in common, and that's the faith they they are giving to whoever glorified them
• India
6 Aug 10
I think all of them share similar features at many point. For example, all of them will teach about love; no one teaches hatred. But regarding other things they come up with different teachings; sometime even quite the opposite of what the other is saying. That's the point of my amazement when some say that they are all equally correct.
• Philippines
6 Aug 10
What ever religion it is, it doesnt matter as long you have beliefs. After all its the faith of the person than counts, could be a muslim,buddhist,hindu or christian!
• India
7 Aug 10
But won't it be unfortunate if all the faith I have is put on something or someone who is not there 0r who is wrong? After all the rituals and hardwork I realized that it amounts to nothing won't it be a waste of time and energy. I could have invested that much time and energy in doing some other good works. So I think it matters!
• India
6 Aug 10
Religion is a system of faith and worship. The aim of every religion is to teach one according to his given nature. The religions ask us to believe in God because if we would aspire to attain Godliness; after God's nature; the least that would happen to us is that we would learn to act as human. There are two kinds of religious paths. One teaches you to attain goodness and righteousness through adoration and worship. The other teaches you to attain goodness by mastering the opposing tendency; or by mastering the art of pretense. The religion, which teaches you to attain goodness and righteousness through mastering the opposing tendencies; and mastering the art of pretense, is not a true religion. The religion which teaches you to attain Godliness by adoring and worshiping God is the true religion.
• India
7 Aug 10
Thanks for the post. I think I can get my answer from your post.
• India
6 Aug 10
Religion is a system of faith and worship. The aim of every religion is to teach one to live according to his given nature. The religions ask us to believe in God because if we would aspire to attain Godliness; after God's nature; the least that would happen to us is that we would learn to act as human. There are two kinds of religious paths. One teaches you to attain goodness and righteousness through adoration and worship. The other teaches you to attain goodness by mastering the opposing tendency; or by mastering the art of pretense. The religion, which teaches you to attain goodness and righteousness through mastering the opposing tendencies; and mastering the art of pretense, is not a true religion. The religion which teaches you to attain Godliness by adoring and worshiping God is the true religion.
@sweechi (157)
• Philippines
6 Aug 10
Not all religion are true. Well maybe to the certain extend. But they are limiting themselves to what is really revealed in the Bible. For instance, some just believe in Paul's saying but they never believed what other disciples believed in.. So what they believe is just a certain part so its true which is causing us some confusion of what is and what is not. It's also the same in atheistic religion and theistic religion. Both can be true in a certain extend, but its limited.
• India
6 Aug 10
There are elements of beauty and also ethical teachings in all religions. But certain matters become so opposite of each other that it appears both religions just cannot both be true. Both could be wrong, but for both of them to be right it just seems so illogical. That's my amazement specially when some people claim that all religions are equally true.
@blueboy3 (123)
• Ireland
6 Aug 10
I think that the problem with arguing that all religions are true, is that many typically have mutually exclusive beliefs. Hence, to maintain that all are true requires saying that their truth is not identical with the truths they claim. The problem, then, is how to distinguish their truth from their stated truth-claims. Who decides? From what position? The twin dangers are (1) that one dominant religion interprets the truth of others, (2) the truth of religion becomes abstracted from the specific truth claims of actual religions. I have read some books on the philosophy of religion and these two problems have been significant problems in recent years. I think these problems are complicated by the growing tendency of religions to form political alliances against what they see as the secularist forces of the modern world. They do not resolve the differences between themselves, but argue as a practical strategy that 'religion' is a good force in the world.
• India
7 Aug 10
When two religions have mutually exclusive belief both cannot emerge as winners. One has to be loser, and the other winner; or both of them as loser. Thanks for the post.